Gurbani Section

Derived from the Sanskriti language, Aarti (ਅਾਰਤੀ) means the light, or the vessel containing it, which is waved before an idol, generally in the clockwise direction. It is usually accompanied by the chanting of mantras. This is also the name given to a Hindu ceremony which is a mode of ritual worship to please the deity. In the Sikh faith, which totally rejects image-worship, there is no permission for this form of worship.

The Anand Sahib is part of the Nitnem (prayers) which are read by Amritdhari Sikhs in the morning. This Bani was written by Guru Amar Das, the third Guru of the Sikhs and forms part of the 5 Banis that are recited daily by baptised Sikhs. The Bani appears on angs 917 to 922 of Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy Scriptures. It is said that the person who recites this Holy Bani daily with dedication, attention and comprehension, will achieve Anand (Complete Happiness or Bliss) in life.

Asa Ki Vaar, is the term recorded in the index to the Guru Granth Sahib but this Gurbani is commonly called "Asa di Var". It is found in the Sikh scripture from ang 462 panna 17 to ang 475 panna 10. It is a composition by Sri Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhi and is sung by kirtania (religious musicians) at Sikh congregations or gatherings as part of the early morning service. It is said that if recited and sung with true belief, then one's hopes/wishes are fulfilled.

Bara Maha, is a form of folk poetry in which the emotions and yearnings of the human heart are expressed in terms of the changing moods of Nature over the twelve months of the year. In this form of poetry, the mood of Nature in each particular month (of the Indian calendar) depicts the inner agony of the human heart which in most cases happens to be a woman separated from her spouse or lover.

A Sikh believes in a personal "God" to whom he must go every now and then because he regards Him as friend and benefactor. He recites a prayer before he starts any work or business. Even if he has no time for a full ardaas, he shall make a short prayer. Sikh prayer can be led by any man or woman; it is congregational in the nature of its contents. It recounts the sacrifices of Sikhs but makes no mention of the enemies of the Sikhs. The basic idea is to inspire the Sikhs to similar heroic deed in any future times of need.

Guru Arjan Dev ji wrote Baavan Akhree for his wife Mata Ganga Jee. It states that one should only wear necklaces around one's neck made from only the Lord's name and that eyeliner on one's eyes should only be that of giaan (knowledge). Guru Sahib wrote Baavan Akhree after Mata Ganga Jee asked them why it was wrong to wear jewelry and make up. Upon writing Baavan Akhree, He explained to Mata Ganga Jee that this would be her jewelry.

Basant Ki Var, by Guru Arjan Dev, is the shortest of the twentytwo vars (holy poems composed in the style or tone of odes). Vars are heroic ballads included in the Guru Granth Sahib. Basant, is the Punjabi word for spring from which the musical measure the Var derives its title. Like Malhar (the raga of the rainy season) the The Basant Ki Var is an ancient seasonal raga - the raga of springtime.